Ben Affleck has opened up about his use of artificial intelligence while making Animals, explaining that the technology was used as a filmmaking tool rather than as a way to replace actors, artists or other members of a production team.
The actor-director first revealed that AI was used in “lots of things” during the making of the Netflix thriller. Speaking about his approach, Affleck said he wanted to ensure the technology was used responsibly and without taking creative work away from people.
Ben Affleck Explains How AI Was Used In Animals
Affleck has remained deliberately vague about the exact applications of AI in Animals, saying that revealing too much could interfere with the illusion created by filmmaking. However, he made clear that the technology was not used to generate fake performers or replace people working on the film.
Instead, he described AI as another technological development that filmmakers can use when applied carefully. Affleck also stressed that the movie itself remains a “very human movie” despite the presence of AI-assisted elements during production.
Affleck Says His AI Dataset Was Built Differently
One of the key points in Affleck’s approach involves the material used to develop the technology. He explained that he would not use an AI system trained on copyrighted work or on material created by another filmmaker or creative peer without permission. To avoid that issue, Affleck said a proprietary dataset was created for the work.
He described the approach as non-extractive, allowing the production to use technology without relying on creative material taken from others. For Affleck, the distinction is important because his concern is not simply whether AI is being used, but how the technology is developed and what material it learns from.
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Animals Follows A Family Caught In A Kidnapping Crisis
Animals is a crime thriller centred on Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, played by Affleck. His life changes when his son is kidnapped, forcing Mark and his wife Abigail, portrayed by Kerry Washington, to find a ransom while facing increasingly difficult choices.
Affleck co-wrote and directed the film and also leads the cast. Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz and Ray Fisher are among the other cast members. The story combines the family crisis with the political pressures surrounding Mark’s campaign, creating a situation in which his carefully controlled public image begins to collide with his private life.
Animals Release Date And Ben Affleck's AI Views
Animals is scheduled to release in select theatres and on Netflix on October 9, 2026. The project marks another directing effort from Affleck, who has continued working across acting, writing, producing and filmmaking. His comments about AI arrive as Hollywood continues debating how emerging technology should be used in film production.
Affleck’s position is centred on using the technology without replacing human performers or creators and avoiding training systems on copyrighted material without permission. The filmmaker’s experience with Animals also reflects his broader interest in production technology, including his work through Artists Equity and his involvement in developing tools intended to support filmmaking processes.
Final Take
Ben Affleck says AI was used in Animals for several production purposes, but his approach is focused on supporting filmmaking rather than replacing people. He has also stressed the importance of using proprietary data instead of technology trained on copyrighted work or another creator’s material.
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